March/April 2016

CAMDEN LIVING�e Talk of the Town

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March/April 2016 Camden Living 1312 Camden Living March/April 2016

CAMDEN MILITARY ACADEMYby Casey Robinson, Director of Admissions

Camden Military Academy, South Carolina’s official military academy, is a college preparatory, all-male

military boarding school. While the Camden Military tradition dates back to 1892, operations on the current campus began in 1958. Steeped in tradition, CMA combines the traditions of three institutions: Carlisle Military School (1892-1977), Camden Academy (1950-1957) and Camden Military Academy (1958-present).

Today the academy’s modern campus, located in East Camden, boasts nearly 300 students from all over the world. In the 2015-16 school year, students enrolled at CMA come from over 23 states and 8 countries. The Internet has allowed CMA to expand its student body nationally and internationally. Cost is also a factor when parents are searching for a private school. Mr. Casey Robinson, Camden Military’s Admissions and Marketing Director, points out that “Camden’s tuition is rated as one of the most affordable boarding schools in the country and is the most affordable military boarding school tuition nationwide.”

Camden Military holds membership in the National Association of Independent Schools, the Southern Association of Independent Schools, the Palmetto Association of Independent Schools as well as the Association of Military Colleges and Schools. The Corps of Cadets has been designated by the Department of the Army

as a Junior Army ROTC Honor Unit with Distinction. Additionally, the academy is academically accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). CMA also boasts that over 95% of its graduating class each year attends colleges and universities in the US and abroad.

Camden’s academic philosophy is very traditional. Six forty-minute classes are taken daily. Each class has typically fewer than 15 students and the classes are very structured. Therefore, students often find that there is more individual attention given to help achieve academic

success. Importance is placed on foundational learning and not simply teaching for a standardized test. Col. Eric Boland, Camden Military Headmaster states “Education is not one size fits all so we work to try and find how to help each student reach his full potential.” The academic program is entirely college preparatory and offers honors and advanced courses. Dual enrollment is also available to Camden’s cadets. Cadets can begin taking college courses on the CMA campus in the 10th grade. These college courses are offered and taught by professors of the University of South Carolina-Lancaster. Currently, a student can earn upward of 30 college credit hours before ever graduating high school.

While being a smaller school, Camden Military offers numerous athletics and extracurricular opportunities. The academy offers thirteen sports and a full band program. Additionally, clubs such as KEY Club, Scouts, FCA, Robotics and Civil Air Patrol are available. Cadets are also welcome to participate in community and church sponsored events. The academy also provides outings to movies, restaurants, paintball, white water rafting, snow skiing and more.

In addition to being a premier educational facility, the academy enjoys giving back to the local community. The academy’s color guard and band attend numerous community events throughout the year. Cadets also

volunteer with different organizations such as the Historic Camden Revolutionary War Park as well as the Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County just to name a couple. Additionally, Camden Military and its cadets host the Special Olympics of Kershaw County each year on its campus, offering cadets and the community the opportunity to truly make a difference in the lives of others.

CMA also impacts tourism and the local economy of Camden and Kershaw County. Each year, the academy brings nearly 1,500 unique visitors to the area. These visitors fill up hotels and restaurants in the area as well as spend money shopping recreationally or buying the necessary supplies needed for their students to attend Camden. According to the SC Parks, Recreation and Tourism Conversion Study, these visitors contribute an average of one million dollars annually to the local economy. This study does not take into consideration the enrolled students’ parents and families who return frequently throughout the school year.

Camden Military Academy offers young men the opportunity to develop into an educated, well-rounded

citizen. Academics are important but Camden’s cadets learn invaluable life skills such as time management, organization and leadership. Daniel Wise, a CMA senior cadet agrees that these life skills are important, “Camden Military has molded me into the man I am today and I can say that I am happy with who I am. Camden has given me structure and a solid foundation and I now feel truly ready to take on the world!” Mr. Chris Dean is a current Camden parent and adds, “Our son has matured so much in such a few short months at CMA. It is obvious that Camden Military Academy is successful at turning boys into fine young men and future leaders. We are so proud of his accomplishments in such a short time and thankful to CMA for its positive impact on his life.”

Camden Military Academy invites you to view one of the Sunday afternoon on-campus parades and attend athletic events. For more information and details of upcoming events follow the academy on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Google+.

camdenmilitary.com 803-432-6001